Early
On
Michigan is a system designed to coordinate early intervention and other
services for families who have children (ages 0 - 36 months) experiencing
developmental delays or who have disabilities or special needs.

If you suspect
your child has a developmental delay or an associated medical condition or
disability, contact Early On Michigan to get connected with a local
coordinator to see if your child is eligible for services.

Early On Coordinators are located in each
county and are available to help a parent decide if they want to enter theEarly On system.

1. Evaluation
If suspected that the child has a developmental delay or a condition that
could lead to such delay, an evaluation is initiated. (The child may not
have to repeat an evaluation if an evaluation has already been completed
by a different agency.)

2. Individualized Family Service Plan
If the child is eligible forEarly Onservices, an
Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) is developed. The IFSP addresses
the developmental needs of the baby as well as the needs of the family in
helping the baby.

3. Service Coordination
An Early OnService Coordinator helps the parent coordinate
the services outlined in their baby's plan.

4. Implementation
Services outlined in the IFSP are implemented with permission of parent.

What is the cost? Are there any income
restrictions?

There is no charge to families for an evaluation, the
development of an IFSP or service coordination. Most services outlined in
IFSP are available at no cost, but that is determined individually.
Early Onis available regardless of income.

Why is Early On a leader in
developing relationships?

Family-centered care is the set of beliefs and principles
that are the foundation for Early On. Family-centered care
is a new way of thinking about and working with children and their
families. At the heart of family-centered care is the recognition that the
family is the constant in the child's life. Family-centered care builds
equal partnerships between families and professionals and promotes trust
and respect. Family-centered care honors the priorities, choices, and
resources of the family.

Both families and professionals think that working with
this set of beliefs and principles will create the brightest futures for
our children and families.

Early On is a statewide, comprehensive,
coordinated interagency system of early intervention services for
infants and toddlers birth to age 36 months with disabilities and their
families. In Michigan, Early On is coordinated by the Michigan
Department of Education and provides services under Part-C of the
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

An outreach system which includes the components of public awareness,
inquiry, screening and referral was established. Every local health
department has at least one professional in place who is designated as
its liaison to help families access Early On services. Any family
concerned about the development or health of their child can access the
system by contacting a local agency or by calling 1-800-Early On.

Local communities receive funding through their local Intermediate
School District (ISD) to implement Early On. Each local ISD jurisdiction
has an interagency coordinating council (comprised of individuals from
human service agencies, parents, educators, and other agency personnel
who serve families) that guides implementation locally. Implementation
is also guided through local memoranda of understanding between
education, mental health, public health, and social services.

Infants and toddlers from birth through age 36 months who need early
intervention services because they are experiencing developmental delays
and/or have a diagnosed physical or mental condition that has a high
probability of resulting in developmental delay are eligible.

At a state's discretion, children age birth through thirty-six months of
age who are at risk of developmental delay may also be eligible.

Available services include assistive technology device; audiology;
family training, counseling, and home visits; health services; medical
services; nursing services; nutrition services; occupational therapy;
physical therapy; psychological services; service coordination services;
social work services; special instruction; speech-language pathology;
transportation and related costs; and vision services.
To the maximum extent appropriate to the needs of the child, Early On
services will be provided in natural environments including the home and
community settings.

Monies are allocated based on the number of infants and toddlers
eligible for Early On services within each ISD and a base grant (based
on size and numbers) for administration and coordination functions.

Early On is a family-focused process, with emphasis on family strengths
and abilities, which requires the development of an individualized
family service plan specific to each enrolled family, based on the
findings of a multidisciplinary evaluation of the child and family.